Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
“I truly wish we could be gathered for a different purpose, but we’ve all witnessed the destruction,” Parton remarked while revealing her donation.
Dolly Parton has committed to donating $1 million to assist victims of Hurricane Helene after her home state of Tennessee was among the six states impacted.
On Friday, October 3, the 78-year-old country music icon from Pitman Center, Tennessee, visited a Walmart in Newport to announce her partnership with the retailer and her East Tennessee businesses to support those in need.
In addition to Walmart raising its commitment from $6 million to $10 million for hurricane relief, Parton’s contribution will go to the Mountain Ways Foundation.
According to its website, the foundation is dedicated to providing continuous disaster relief and coordinating with local organizations and officials to ensure essential resources are delivered efficiently to the hardest-hit areas.
The music icon’s $1 million donation will be matched by her East Tennessee enterprises, which include Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, and the Dollywood Foundation.
“I truly wish we could be gathering for a different reason, but we’ve all witnessed the destruction,” Parton stated during a press conference.
“Who would have thought that in our small corner of the country, where I was born and raised just down the road, we would experience such devastation? I look around and think: These are my mountains. These are my valleys,” the “Jolene” singer expressed. “These are my rivers flowing like streams. These are my people, these mountain-colored rainbows. These are my people, and this is my home.”
Walmart U.S. President and CEO John Furner commended Parton for her donation, stating, “Dolly is a true American legend, not only for her music, art, and business acumen but also for her compassion,” during the press conference.
“Dolly’s heart is with these communities and people throughout our great country, and it’s her compassion that motivated her to make this generous donation and give back in such a meaningful way today. We are incredibly grateful for what she has done,” Furner added.
Besides Tennessee, Hurricane Helene also impacted residents in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia, with the death toll exceeding 200.